Taliban release video showing execution of 15 Pakistani soldiers

Taliban militants have released a terrifying video (graphic content) showing the execution of 15 Pakistani paramilitary troops caught last month near the country's lawless tribal areas in the Tank district of South Waziristan, close to the border with Afghanistan.

The graphic footage shows Pakistani men standing blindfolded and handcuffed to each other while one of the Taliban announces the execution as revenge to Pakistani army.

"Twelve of our comrades were besieged and mercilessly martyred in the Khyber Agency (area)," the militant was quoted saying by Reuters news agency.

"Our pious women were also targeted. To avenge those comrades, we will kill these men. We warn the government of Pakistan that if the killing of our friends is not halted, this will be the fate of you all."

The footage then shows him and other militants shooting the captured soldiers with AK-47 assault rifles. Their bodies were found last Thursday, assumingly only few hours after they were killed, officials said.

Reportedly, the kidnapped Pakistanis belonged to the Frontier Constabulary of Pakistani police authorities, which has about 70,000 paramilitary troops and provides security to foreign embassies and consulates across the country.

The responsibility for the killings has been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, believed to be behind of the suicide bombings across the country, including the attack on army headquarters near Islamabad in 2009.